Social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N36 million fraud case.
The influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, appeared on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing.
According to a statement published by the EFCC, the charges stem from claims that she fraudulently obtained the sum of N36 million.
During the court proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had already returned part of the money to the complainant, stating that N24 million had been refunded.
“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” the lawyer said.
He further requested an adjournment, noting that discussions were ongoing to resolve the outstanding balance, and added that the complainant was open to withdrawal of the case if full repayment was completed.
However, prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, insisting that the EFCC represents the Federal Government and that the criminal proceedings should continue.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he argued.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Dipeolu held that private negotiations between the defendant and the complainant would not affect the court’s criminal proceedings.
“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.
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One of the charges alleged that Blessing CEO obtained N36 million from one Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretext of leasing a six-bedroom duplex located in Lekki, Lagos.
The EFCC maintained that the representation was false and contravened provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Another count accused her of converting the funds for personal use.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial. However, her counsel asked the court to allow her remain in EFCC custody while her bail application was being processed.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that she be held in EFCC custody.
The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.